Initially unaware its actual value, a lucky shopper who does not want to be identified purchased the small Chinese vase from a charity shop in Hertfordshire for £1. He listed the aesthetic object on eBay - and was suddenly flooded with offers from interested buyers.
He consequently took the vase to experts at Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers’ in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, and was in for a pleasant surprise, to say the least: specialists confirmed that the vase had been manufactured for the Qianlong Emperor, who reigned in China in the 18th century.
A veritable bidding war quickly ensued - and the vase was eventually sold for a whopping £484,800 (including extra fees). The auction house had initially estimated the worth of the vase at £80,000.
The seller said he was “ecstatic” and that he would use the money to secure his baby daughter’s future.
